SCAHIP Pilot: A Comparison of Farmer and Farmworker Suicide Mortality in the U.S., 2003-2019

A Comparison of Farmer and Farmworker Suicide Mortality in the U.S., 2003-2019. ABSTRACT Background Suicide remains a public health concern and is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.1 In the U.S., farmers and farmworkers experience hazardous and stressful work conditions associated with agricultural production.2-4 Prior research shows farmers and farmworkers experience higher suicide mortality than the general population and similar occupations; however, little is known about differences in suicide mortality between them.5-7 Therefore, it is critical to evaluate farmer and farmworker suicide rates and determine differences in contextual characteristics associated with their suicide mortality. Thus, this study aims to investigate differences between farmer and farmworker suicide mortality among NVDRS participating states. Methods All reported adult suicide cases (ages 18+) are initially eligible for this study. Farmer and farmworker suicide deaths will be ascertained using NVRDS data (rate numerator). We will use the quinquennial Census of Agriculture, 2002-2017, to estimate the number of farmers and farmworkers at risk of suicide (rate denominator) and the decennial U.S. Census for standardization.8-11 Evaluation of rate ratios will use regression analysis. Significance Most farmer suicide research combines farmers and farmworkers to determine farmer suicide mortality.7,12,13 We propose determining contextual characteristics, assessing suicide rate differences between farmers and farmworkers, and obtaining rate denominators from the Census of Agriculture, which enumerates farmers and farmworkers. Results from this study can be used to inform suicide prevention efforts for farmers and farmworkers. 1